HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-09-10 Commissioner MinutesTHURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2009
The Franklin County Commissioners met Thursday, September 10, 2009, with
the following members present: Robert L. Thomas, David S. Keller and Robert G.
Ziobrowski. Chairman Thomas presided and after calling the meeting to order, and the
Pledge of Allegiance proceeded with the business of the day.
The Board attended a Franklin County Prison Board meeting.
On a motion by David S. Keller, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously
approved to adopt the agenda.
Public Comment was received from Bud Bennett from Citizens for Responsible
Government who is asking other people what a Tourism Director makes and no one
knows what a Tourism Director is. Mr. Bennett thinks that the merchants should pay for
this position not tax payers.
Public Comment was also received from Allen Piper from Citizens for
Responsible Government who is questioning a statement that Commissioner Thomas
made that it's a state law to have everyone sign in when attending the meeting. Mr.
Piper would like this clarified. Mr. Piper is concerned about the County budget, there are
many ways to cut fat out of a budget. Everyone is having problems getting state money,
so should have started cutting a long time ago. Mr. Piper asks that County executives
return their raises.
Commissioner Thomas responded that the county's public sign in policy is the
easiest way to track visitors in accordance with the PA Sunshine law. He also stated that
tourism is an economic driver for the county that creates and sustains jobs.
Pennsylvania has a website that explains the value of tourism and its economic value to
the economy. He also stated the program is not funded with property tax dollars, but
instead by the hotel room tax revenues that visitors pay at county hotels. By law, the
money must be dedicated to tourism related activities and programs. Not having a
qualified tourism director to guide the program and ensure success would be
irresponsible. Commissioner Thomas supports the Director's efforts and has done a
wonderful job. We would sell our county short if we did not promote its valuable
resources and assets.
On a motion by David S. Keller, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously
approved all bills presented and ordered paid.
On a motion by David S. Keller, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously
approved the minutes of September 1, 2009 and September 3, 2009 meetings.
The Board reviewed Community Services matters. On a motion by David S.
Keller, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Amendment #1 to
the Agreement between the County of Franklin and Pennsylvania Department of
Agriculture for the Program Management of the Emergency Food Assistance Program
(TEFAP) to include source of funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
of 2009 for the fiscal year 2008/2009. All other terms and conditions of the original
agreement will remain in full force and effect.
The Board reviewed Grants Management matters. On a motion by David S.
Keller, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Grant Application
to Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency for the CJAB Jail Diversion
Project, Year 2 for a grant amount of $93,775.00 with a County match of $97,554.00 for
the grant period of January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010.
Continued on page 2
The Board reviewed FSNRC matters. On a motion by David S. Keller, seconded
by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Agreement between the County of
Franklin and Continuing Care Rx to provide comprehensive pharmacy services to the
residents of the Nursing Home for the period of February 1, 2009 through January 31,
2012.
The Board reviewed Human Resources matters. On a motion by David S. Keller,
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the
Board to execute the Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) Status Form to Capital
BlueCross to certify the number of employees and employer identification number in
accordance with Medicare secondary payer laws.
The Board reviewed Jail matters. On a motion by David S. Keller, seconded by
Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the Board to execute
the Renewal Letter of Agreement between the County of Franklin and LexisNexis to
provide legal research materials for staff only at a cost of $668.80 per month, funded by
the inmates, for the period of September 1, 2009 through August 31, 2010.
The Board reviewed additional Jail matters. On a motion by David S. Keller,
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the
Board to execute the Renewal Letter of Agreement between the County of Franklin and
LexisNexis to provide legal research materials for custom user interface (CUI) only at a
cost of $668.80 per month, funded by the inmates, for the period of September 1, 2009
through August 31, 2010.
The Board reviewed additional Jail matters. On a motion by David S. Keller,
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved for the Chairman of the
Board to execute the Agreement between the County of Franklin and Enviro-Tech pest
Services to provide monthly pest control services at a cost of $125.00/monthly.
The Board reviewed Property Management matters. On a motion by David S.
Keller, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Agreement
between the County of Franklin and Dennis E. Black Engineering to obtain electronically
formatted drawings on CD disk of the Agricultural Heritage Building at a cost of $200.00.
The Board reviewed Visitors Bureau matters. On a motion by David S. Keller,
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved the Professional Services
Agreement between the County of Franklin and Shari Walker to provide catering
services for "Day in Franklin County by Evelyn's Excursions" at a cost not to exceed
$550.00 for the period of September 10, 2009 through September 30, 2009.
In accordance with PA Acts 67, 68 and 127 notifications, William A. Brindle
Associates, Inc. notified the County of a NPDES Application being applied by William
Naugle for a residential development located on Remington Drive in Franklin County.
In accordance with PA Acts 67, 68 and 127 notifications, Shelly & Witter, Inc.
notified the County of an NPDES Permit being applied by Atlas Copco Secoroc, LLC for
construction of a commercial building and additional parking located in Fort Loudon,
Franklin County.
In accordance with PA Acts 67, 68 and 127 notifications, Stuart Hollenshead
notified the County of NPDES application being applied for the Hollenshead Stream
Restoration Project located in Peters Township, Franklin County.
Continued on page 3
The Board reviewed Commissioners Office matters and conducted a bid opening
for Sale of Two (2) Hot Water Heaters. One bid was received. On a motion by David S.
Keller, seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved to forward the bids
received to the Director of Property Management for review. The Board will award or
reject the bids on September 24, 2009 at 9:15 a.m.
The Board reviewed Election matters and conducted a bid opening for the
Printing of Ballots. One bidder submitted a bid. On a motion by David S. Keller,
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski; unanimously approved to award to Beidel
Printing for a total bid of $42,020.00. This was the only bid received.
The Board recessed at 9:35 and will return at 9:45.
The Board met with Teresa Beckner, Fiscal Director and Richard Wynn, Human
Services Administrator whom provided an update on the status of human services
funding due to lack of a state budget. The County has received some funds from the
state for 2008/2009 fiscal years but more money is still owed to the County for
2008/2009 and 2009/2010. By being proactive and fiscally prudent the County is able to
slide the number of weeks' funds available out another 10 weeks. Ms. Beckner also
provided an update on the Tax and Revenue Anticipation Note (TRAN) and stated that a
request for proposal is being prepared.
Mr. Wynn provided an update on the request to Joan Erney, Deputy Secretary for
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, asking to use Tuscarora Managed Care
funds to help with Human Services programs. Still waiting for a response. Have notified
the providers of the funding situation and they are thankful that the County is still paying
because most of the other counties are not paying their providers. The Board decided to
notified the providers a second time that the County will continue to pay their services
through October 15th. Mr. Wynn and Ms. Beckner will provide an update in two weeks to
the Board.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:21 a.m. with a motion by David S. Keller;
seconded by Robert G. Ziobrowski.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS